rocomama's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
spinnerlynne's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I really enjoyed this. There are some very funny moments and I found myself laughing out loud in the train during my commute more than once. It's very heart-warming but also real and raw. About the past and the present and circumstances and pressures and unfairness. Beauty, art, humanity. An easy read that didn't feel pointless.
kandicez's review against another edition
3.0
Emma Donoghue is a go-to author for me. She writes about real people, with real emotions, in hard situations. This was no different, and I enjoyed it, but it didn't have the internal angst which leads to her usual gorgeous phrasing.
This is the story of Noah, a New York septuagenarian widow who has also recently lost his sister. When his sister's grandson needs someone to care for him, Noah is unwillingly thrust into a temporary position of guardianship.
I applaud Donoghue's realistic internal conflict voiced by Noah. Why should he, a childless old man, be responsible for this troubled and troublesome kid? I think most people would feel this way, and Noah's personal conversations show his slow attitude change beautifully.
Michael, the troubled kid in question is a very realistic portrayal of what a child in those circumstances at that age would be. Often ugly, rude and had to take. But also sweet in glimpses, and understanding of history and life in general. He has insight and it is easy to see that with guidance he could live a full and productive life. Poor Michael, like so many, is set up to fail.
Donoghue takes the opportunity to examine the U.S. justice system, even if only in sideways glances and introspection. Noah is told the bare facts nd it takes most of the novel for him to piece together what is between the lines. Things that are heartbreaking.
This would be a five star read written by someone else, but I expect a bit more in the prose department from her. She has literally slain my heart with other novels. With this one she did make me think, she did make me question, and she did make me feel. Just not enough.
This is the story of Noah, a New York septuagenarian widow who has also recently lost his sister. When his sister's grandson needs someone to care for him, Noah is unwillingly thrust into a temporary position of guardianship.
I applaud Donoghue's realistic internal conflict voiced by Noah. Why should he, a childless old man, be responsible for this troubled and troublesome kid? I think most people would feel this way, and Noah's personal conversations show his slow attitude change beautifully.
Michael, the troubled kid in question is a very realistic portrayal of what a child in those circumstances at that age would be. Often ugly, rude and had to take. But also sweet in glimpses, and understanding of history and life in general. He has insight and it is easy to see that with guidance he could live a full and productive life. Poor Michael, like so many, is set up to fail.
Donoghue takes the opportunity to examine the U.S. justice system, even if only in sideways glances and introspection. Noah is told the bare facts nd it takes most of the novel for him to piece together what is between the lines. Things that are heartbreaking.
This would be a five star read written by someone else, but I expect a bit more in the prose department from her. She has literally slain my heart with other novels. With this one she did make me think, she did make me question, and she did make me feel. Just not enough.
nkshepard's review against another edition
2.0
This author is a master at the making the mundane interesting with beautiful writing. Her downfall is when that mundane becomes, well, mundane.
I enjoyed this book, but what was framed as a psychological thriller was much more a book without a clear purpose. One that had me asking...where is the thrill? There was some, and I know where she was trying to go, but it was underwhelming at best.
It had its moments but I was disappointed for an author I admire so much.
I enjoyed this book, but what was framed as a psychological thriller was much more a book without a clear purpose. One that had me asking...where is the thrill? There was some, and I know where she was trying to go, but it was underwhelming at best.
It had its moments but I was disappointed for an author I admire so much.
issybartlett_'s review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
sineadmck's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
copykat42's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this book.
Possibly I'm bumping it up subconsciously bc so much of it is set in L'Hexagone? (or i just shouldn't've looked at the average stars it's getting... LOL. Although even those would round up to 4; guess I'm just surprised bc i felt i was rounding DOWN a bit.
Possibly I'm bumping it up subconsciously bc so much of it is set in L'Hexagone? (or i just shouldn't've looked at the average stars it's getting... LOL. Although even those would round up to 4; guess I'm just surprised bc i felt i was rounding DOWN a bit.